Andretti receives the green light from the FIA to be the 11th team in F1

Andretti is not yet the 11th team in Formula 1. Nevertheless, this information allows Andretti to be optimistic about joining the F1 grid starting in 2025. The FIA, International Automobile Federation, has given its approval to the American team to apply to become the 11th Formula 1 team. It is the only team to have received this preliminary agreement.

Permission to be there, not a guarantee

The FIA statement explains that now, Andretti’s entry into F1 is no longer in the hands of the federation but rather of F1. « As part of the agreed process of the expression of interest protocol, the FIA’s conclusions on the submission of Andretti Formula Racing LLC will now be forwarded to Formula One Management (FOM) for commercial discussions. »

So it is up to the FOM to reach an agreement with Andretti in order to potentially accept the structure in the paddock as early as 2025. This approval from the FIA seems to be only for two years.

The only structure approved by the FIA

The FIA announced in its statement that Andretti was the only team meeting the criteria set by the FIA and the F1 teams.

« Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only candidate to meet the criteria set by the FIA among the four teams that submitted formal applications during phase 2 of the process. The initial call for expressions of interest (phase 1) generated numerous inquiries that allowed four entities to advance to phase 2. » explains the press release.

In addition to Andretti, three other teams were involved in phase 2: Rodin, which explained that it was eliminated last week, as well as Hitech and probably LKY SUNZ.

The FIA has officially informed all the candidate teams, but apart from Rodin, none have reacted yet.

« Following the call for expression of interest in February, the FIA has implemented a thorough due diligence process during which the candidates were assessed on their sporting and technical capabilities, the team’s ability to raise and maintain sufficient funding to enable participation in the Championship at a competitive level, as well as the team’s experience and human resources. » details the press release.

« The selection criteria also included sustainability management, in line with the FIA’s ambition to achieve the sport’s net-zero CO2 emissions goals by 2030. Any potential F1 team was also required to demonstrate how it intends to have a positive societal impact through its participation in the sport. »

Teaming up with General Motors and Cadillac?

On January 5, 2023, Andretti had announced his intention to enter F1 with a major partner. One of the major American manufacturers, Cadillac.

« Andretti Global and General Motors, two American powerhouses in the automotive and motorsport sectors, have announced their intention to seize the opportunity to participate in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. GM would be represented by the Cadillac brand. The Andretti Cadillac team would be based in the United States with a support facility in the United Kingdom. »

« I believe that we are well positioned to become a new Formula 1 team and that we can bring value to the series and our partners, as well as excitement for the fans. I am proud to have GM and Cadillac by our side as we pursue this goal. GM and Andretti share a heritage born out of a love for racing. We now have the opportunity to combine our passions for motorsport and our dedication to innovation to build a true American contender in F1. » explained Michael Andretti last January.

« Together, we will continue to follow the procedures and steps proposed by the FIA throughout the evaluation process. In the meantime, we continue to prepare optimistically in case we have the opportunity to see Andretti Cadillac officially approved as a Formula 1 competitor. »